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Mayor Emanuel Announces Opening of New Cermak CTA Green Line Station

February 9, 2015

Near South Side Station to Deliver Major Service Improvement for Motor Row and Nearby McCormick Place

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today opened the newly constructed Cermak-McCormick Place Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Green Line station, which will serve the growing area near historic Motor Row area and provide a crucial additional transportation option for the Near South Side.

“Today we cut the ribbon on not just a new station for the Green Line but on a new economic future for the businesses and residents on the Near South Side,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “For Chicago to have a growing 21st century economy, we must have a 21th century infrastructure. So this new station is an essential investment in the continued growth of the Near South Side. It will encourage more investment and bring more jobs and more opportunities for people who live and work in this growing neighborhood.”

The new station, part of $4 billion in transit investments announced by Mayor Emanuel since 2011, is located near the intersection of Cermak Road and State Street will provide much-needed access to rapid transit for Near South Side residents and businesses. It fills in a major gap in CTA service that has existed in the 2.5 mile stretch between Roosevelt and 35th/IIT stations since the previous Cermak station at that location was demolished in 1977.

It will also provide convenient rail access to McCormick Place, which lies two blocks east. Since taking office, Mayor Emanuel has worked extensively to help McCormick Place achieve its status as the premiere destination for conventions and meetings in the United States. Since enacting crucial work rules reforms, McCormick Place has been able to secure more than $6 billion in new, recommitted, or extended shows. Through Elevate Chicago, McCormick Place and Navy Pier is undergoing $1.1 billion in transformational development projects.

“This station will benefit businesses and residents of this neighborhood, improving transportation and, as we have seen with other CTA new and rehabilitated stations, stimulating economic development in the neighborhood,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “Through Mayor Emanuel’s commitment to improving the transportation infrastructure in Chicago’s neighborhoods we are continuing to increase affordable transportation options for people who live, work and visit this community.”

The new station has three entrance points, including a main entrance on the north side of Cermak and additional entrances on the south side of Cermak and on 23rd Street. Both the main entrance and the 23rd St. entrance include elevators from the street level to the platform for easy access for all passengers.

The station has a fully enclosed boarding platform to protect riders from the elements. The project also included new sidewalks, landscaping and street lights along 23rd St. and bike racks at each station house.

“This is another major investment in Chicago’s transit system that demonstrates Mayor Emanuel’s commitment to building a new Chicago,” said Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld of the Chicago Department of Transportation, which managed the station’s construction. “This modern, fully-accessible intermodal station will provide tremendous benefits to the near south side, serving rail and bus riders as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, linking all of them to the city’s transportation network.”

"This station is a great addition to the community and will serve the residents and tourists of this neighborhood well," said State Senator Mattie Hunter.